Operating characteristics for a linear detector of CW signals in narrow-band Gaussian noise

This article presents a set of curves that can be used to evaluate in detail over a wide range of operating conditions the performance of systems using envelope detectors to search for CW signals in narrow-band Gaussian noise. The charts discussed relate the probability, PD, of detecting such signals to (i) the signal-power/noise-power ratio, S/N, (ii) the proportion of false detections, PFA, and (iii) the number, M, of independent samples of the envelope of the combined signal and noise that are averaged in making one attempt at detection. The curves and scales were calculated and drawn entirely by computer. The computation program was designed so that nearly linear curves could be produced, thereby increasing the accuracy and ease of interpolation.